The Cruise & Dive photo for this week is one I took at Cozumel's Paraiso Norte Reef last March during our cruise on the Millennium. I call this photo "Lunch." It's a Panulirus argus, the Caribbean Spiny Lobster. Unlike the cold-water Maine Lobster, this animal, also called a Longooster, has no claws. It inhabits reefs in Florida, the Bahamas, and most of the Caribbean. Usually hiding in or near holes in the reef during the day, they can often be seen foraging in the open at night. When disturbed, they can swim backwards very rapidly, using powerful strokes of their tails. Females, during the reproductive cycle, carry clusters of tiny, orange eggs under their abdomens. Occasionally, after winter storms, mass migrations of as many as 50 of these creatures move in a single file across open, sandy bottoms. Caribbean Spiny Lobsters can be over two feet long, not counting their long, conical antennae. (The ones we eat on cruise ships are much smaller, of course.) Their antennae can be as long as the rest of their entire body. I consider myself very fortunate to have gotten a photo this clear of one of these creatures during the daytime.

Good morning Tom, spectacular photo. Getting warmer here too, about a 50 degree change in temp in 48 hours, is that some kind of record? Well I just hope it stays this way, I am ready for spring. Have a good one gang.

Ugly? Take a look at those beautiful subtle colors. How amazing it is that he can seem to simply disappear into his "house". And those legs! Very delicate. Yes, maybe he is a bit bug-eyed, but those whispy whiskers more then compensate for them! He is beautiful. Are you convinced yet?

Happy over-the-hump-day to all those Monday-thru-Friday
working mates out there. Our temps are heading on upwards
today so maybe that cold snap we just had will be winter's
final farewell.
Oh, and a big THANK YOU for the birthday wishes everyone.
What a super group of people there are on this board.
Have a safe one all. Love the pic DT
The Birthday Gal
Pat

Morning all,,,,,it's still chilly here in the Tidewater of Va,,,but beautiful & sunny,,,,but they promise 70 by the weekend,,,,,we'll see. Jeezzz that is the cutest little fella DT,,sure wish I had him and a couple of his brothers for dinner tonight,,,,hahaha,,,,Jo